Important things you need to Know about Dental and Oral Health
Oral health
is a key indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. It
encompasses a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries,
periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV
infection, oro-dental trauma, noma, and birth defects such as cleft lip and
palate. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 estimated that oral diseases
affect 3.5 billion people worldwide. According to the International Agency for
Research on Cancer, cancers of the lip and oral cavity are among the top 15
most common cancers worldwide, with nearly 180 000 deaths each year.
Most oral
diseases and conditions share modifiable risk factors with the leading non-communicable
diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and
diabetes). These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and
unhealthy diets high in free sugars, all of which are increasing at the global
level. There is a proven relationship between oral and general health. It is reported,
for example, that diabetes mellitus is linked with the development and
progression of periodontitis. Moreover, there is a causal link between high
consumption of sugars and diabetes, obesity and dental caries.
There are
many steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy. For example, dental and
oral disease can be greatly reduced by:
- Brushing
your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least
twice a day.
- Brushing
your teeth with Sewak Al-Falah: Miswak (Traditional
Natural Toothbrush).
- Flossing your teeth at least once a day.
Decreasing your intake of sugar
- Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Seeking professional dental care
Symptoms of dental and oral problems.
You
shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to visit your dentist. Going to the
dentist twice a year will usually allow them to catch a problem before you even
notice any symptoms.
If you
experience any of the following warning signs of dental health issues, you
should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible:
- Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth
that won’t heal after a week or two
- Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or
flossing
- chronic bad breath
- sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
or beverages
- pain or toothache
- loose teeth
- receding gums
- pain with chewing or biting
- swelling of the face and cheek
- clicking of the jaw
- cracked or broken teeth
- frequent dry mouth
